4 Ingredient Date Caramels Recipe

Introduction

These 4 Ingredient Date Caramels are a simple, wholesome treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with natural ingredients and coated in rich chocolate, they offer a delightful combination of chewy and creamy textures. Quick to prepare, they make a great healthy snack or gift.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 cup chocolate chips (or an 8-ounce chocolate bar)
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak the dates in a bowl of very hot water for 10 minutes to soften them.
2. Step 2: Drain the dates and transfer them to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the almond butter and 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil. Pulse until the mixture is completely smooth.
3. Step 3: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Spread the date caramel evenly in the pan, then place it in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours until firm to the touch.
4. Step 4: Remove the caramel from the freezer and lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 12 small squares.
5. Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons melted coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl using either a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Dip each caramel square into the melted chocolate to coat fully. Lift out carefully and place on a parchment-lined plate.
7. Step 7: Repeat dipping for all caramel squares, then refrigerate for 1 hour until the chocolate is fully set and hardened.
8. Step 8: Enjoy your chocolate-covered date caramels immediately, or store them for later.

Tips & Variations

• Use different nut butters like peanut or cashew to vary the flavor.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
• For vegan options, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Try rolling the caramels in chopped nuts or shredded coconut before chilling for extra texture.

Storage

Store the caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To enjoy, let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before eating for a softer texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates?

Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and sweetness, but you can use other dates if they are fresh and moist. If your dates are dry, soak them a bit longer to soften.

Is it necessary to use coconut oil?

Coconut oil helps achieve a smooth caramel and glossy chocolate coating, but you can substitute with other neutral oils like avocado oil if needed. The flavor may vary slightly.

4 Ingredient Date Caramels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

These 4 Ingredient Date Caramels are a deliciously simple, naturally sweet treat made from medjool dates, almond butter, and coconut oil, coated in smooth chocolate. They combine the rich caramel-like flavor of dates with a creamy chocolate coating, perfect for a healthy snack or dessert that is both vegan and gluten-free.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 caramels 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Vegan
• Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Date Caramel

• 1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup chocolate chips or an 8-ounce chocolate bar
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted

Instructions

1. Soak the dates: Place medjool dates in a bowl of very hot water and let soak for 10 minutes to soften them thoroughly.
2. Blend the caramel: Drain the soaked dates and transfer them to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add almond butter and melted coconut oil. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
3. Freeze the caramel: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spread the date caramel evenly into the pan. Place it in the freezer for 2-3 hours until firm to the touch.
4. Slice the caramel: Remove the firm date caramel from the freezer and lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 12 small, evenly sized squares.
5. Melt the chocolate: In a heat-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of coconut oil together, either using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler on the stove, stirring until smooth.
6. Dip the caramels: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each date caramel square into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift out carefully and place on a parchment-lined plate.
7. Set the chocolate: Repeat for all caramels, then transfer the chocolate-coated pieces to the fridge. Let them chill for 1 hour or until the chocolate hardens and sets completely.
8. Serve and store: Enjoy immediately or store the chocolate covered date caramels in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for later.

Notes

• Use high-quality medjool dates for the best natural sweetness and softer texture.
• You can substitute almond butter with any other nut or seed butter like cashew, sunflower, or peanut butter depending on preference.
• Choose dark or semi-sweet chocolate to keep the treat healthier and richer in flavor.
• Make sure to melt the chocolate gently to avoid burning or seizing.
• Store the caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of almond butter.

Keywords: date caramel, healthy caramel recipe, vegan caramel, chocolate covered caramel, no bake desserts, medjool dates, almond butter snacks